Tag: safari

International Leopard Day: Leopard Cub smack

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While on an afternoon game drive in Serengeti National Park, we encountered a leopard laying on one of the many rocky outcrops in the park. As we watched it, it slowly sat up, yawned and stared at us. As with nature, we were not quite sure what would unfold before our eyes. From our safari vehicle, we could see that the leopard had a swollen belly; an indication of a pregnancy or a full belly after a good meal. As we debated what the reason could be, we were amazed by a quick entry of a tiny, fluffy ball of presence, that blended well with the rocky outcrop. It was a leopard cub!

Mama Leopard on the move!

After giving birth, leopards hide their cubs for few weeks to protect them from predators. They are then moved from one hideout to another until they are old and strong enough to venture out on their own. Our group was excited about the unfolding scene of the cub playfully jumping around mom and tagging her tail, as if to celebrate her short-lived freedom in the open. This went on for a few minutes until the mom gave her a tender smack, as if to tell the cub to go back into hiding. Witnessing the cub’s playful antics alongside its mom was a special moment for us, a gentle reminder that these cats need our appreciation and protection to safeguard their future.

On this International Day of the Leopard, may we reflect on their beauty and the importance of conserving these them and their habitats. Let’s treasure moments like these, the connection, wonder, and admiration for the wild. Happy International Leopard Day!

International Hyena Day- A Haunting Hyena Feast

Posted in Bioacoustics, Biodiversity, Field Recording, Nature Sound Recording, Photography, TourismTagged , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

The world recently marked International Hyena Day, which is celebrated every year on April 27th.The day is dedicated to highlighting the important role they play in the ecosystem. During a recent visit in Maasai Mara, nature took its course when a giraffe died of old age. This was confirmed by knowledgeable wildlife vets and local wardens. According to them, there were no signs of attacks by humans or other predators, or of disease. From the way the body lay, it seemed to have fallen, but wasn’t able to stand due to being weak after hitting its head on the ground. Additionally, the giraffe had teeth missing, probably due to old age. 

Giraffe on Day 1

Having watched and heard scavengers on a kill, I wanted to have a recording of the same. Because these species are mainly active at night, I placed my recorder in a tree next to the carcass in order to capture the sounds of the feeding frenzy that would follow. As expected, the carcass soon attracted scavengers as the day progressed; jackals and hyenas showed up to survey the scene. They would try to bite off some meat, before running away.

Hyenas ready for the feast

Soon, the otherwise silent night was filled with the spooky symphony of hyenas laughing and shrieking, while the jackals barked and growled at each other as they all tried to have a piece of the carcass. As it was a huge giraffe, this nocturnal feast went on for the rest of the week.

On the fourth day, the carcass was almost stripped to the bone, proving how quickly the hyenas and jackals can finish a carcass. This event was an emotional reminder that in the midst of nature’s beauty and tranquility, there also exists an undeniable air of sadness and unpredictability. Scavengers’ role in consuming the remains of dead animals is vital for maintaining ecological balance, preventing the spread of disease, and ensuring the continuity of the circle of life!

Giraffe on Day 4!
Listen to the haunting sounds of hyenas feasting